Cats captain retires from AFLW

GEELONG’S longest serving AFLW captain has hung up the boots after 72 games for the Cats.

McDonald steps away from the game following a standout career including All Australian honours, a Cats AFLW best and fairest and six years at the helm of the club.

The 34-year-old began her career at the Western Bulldogs in 2017, playing four games at senior level as a forward.

McDonald then returned to the Darebin Falcons to develop her craft before becoming one of the Cats’ inaugural club signings in 2019.

She was added to the Cats leadership team the following season, before being elevated to the captaincy follow the retirement of Melissa Hickey.

McDonald guided the Cats through a transformative period of growth in the AFLW competition, including leading them to finals campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

As a defender, her determination and ability to read the play stood out from the crowd, as well as her strong one-on-one contest work.

She said the game had changed the course of her life for the better.

“I have been incredibly fortunate that the timing of my career has allowed me to experience the inception of the AFLW competition, to have played at the Cats since the inauguration of our AFLW team, and to retire alongside professional athletes.

“I’ll always be thankful for and proud of the opportunity to play for and captain the Geelong Football Club.

“It has brought the most wonderful people into my life, taught me so much about service, community, and togetherness, and satisfied the dreams of a girl who grew up with a footy in her hands.

“I retire fulfilled and full of gratitude for everyone who has support and enriched my career and look forward with such excitement to watching my team continue to grow, evolve, and achieve success. I’ll be its biggest supporter.”

Cats senior coach Dan Lowther congratulated McDonald on her storied career.

“Meg has been a fantastic leader on and off the field and has played an integral role in building our AFLW program into what it is today,” Lowther said.

“She is the pinnacle of professionalism and the standard-setter at training, and has had a profound impact on our program. We wish her all the very best for her next chapter.”

Fans had the opportunity to farewell McDonald and fellow club retirees Shelley Scott and Kate Darby during Saturday’s game against Melbourne.